Did I add the antifreeze correctly to my 2002 Chevy Tracker 2.5 liter engine.?

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euchregirly1977

New member
I was driving home form work tonight in the country and saw my temperature gauge on my 2002 chevy tracker 2.5 liter engine rise and rise up to the red. I stopped checked the antifreeze level and the plastic container that holds it was empty. So, I added a little water into the plastic holder to get me to where I can buy some antifreeze. The temp gauge went back to normal but when I got into town, it started to go back up. Then suddenly as it was raising closer to the red it suddenly dropped back to normal. Then I bought some 50/50 antifreeze /water and filled the plastic part up to the full mark. Is that all I have to do to fill it up? Or is there someplace else you have to fill it up? After I filled it with antifreeze I drove around for about 10 minutes and when I stopped and put it in park and let it idle it started going back up again. I looked underneath and I know I have an antifreeze leak somewhere. But if it's filled with antifreeze, shouldn't it control the temperature? Please help!
There is a leak because I can see antifreeze on the frame under the radiator.
 
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RileyR

New member
To me it seems like your water pump, your rad, or thermostat is gone. you will most likely to to replace one of the three.

when filling your anti-freeze you need to fill the plastic container and normally you should check the cap on the rad. but you should NEVER open it when the vehicle is hot because the antifreeze sprays everywhere and it could hurt you. What you did was right, you just need to have it looked at...don't drive it anymore.. you don't want to seize your engine or anything.

Good luck! and good job
 
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RossJ

New member
sounds like a leak.. if you keep having to add more and more... it temporary brings engine temps down to normal when there is coolant in the system, then it leaks out and you add more and temps go down and on and on.. leak or blow head gasket which means your burning it.. put white towel or something that will show green drips on it very noticeably under your car let it run for a while and check for leaks.. if no leaks then its most likely a head gasket
 
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